Combine fellowship around meals, exhibitors, a great bookstore, lasting friendships, and excellent preaching and teaching, and the annual Reformation Worship Conference, hosted by Midway Presbyterian Church is one of the country’s premier fall conferences for those who desire to worship God according to Scripture.
If one asks why ministers, elders, and church leaders attend the annual Reformation Worship Conference, hosted by Midway Presbyterian Church outside of metro Atlanta, it is difficult to give one reason. It is easy, however, to give many.
Start with the speakers. This year’s plenary evening speakers are Dr. W. Robert Godfrey, President and Professor of Church History at Westminster Seminary California, and Dr. Derek Thomas, Minister at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC and Professor of Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary. Both are as gifted in the pulpit as in the classroom. They will provide models of excellent preaching in the evening and Lord’s Day services.
Then, there is morning worship. Added to our program this year is morning worship, since our past participants asked for more models of vibrant, Reformed worship. To lead us this year in the morning services is Dr. Richard Phillips, Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC, and Dr. Terry Johnson, pastor of Independent Presbyterian, Savannah, Georgia.
Then there are the seminars, which will be led by some of the finest ministers in our nation. Past favorites like Mark Ross, T. David Gordon, and Jon Payne will lead and teach on a number of practical subjects. And new teachers include Neil Stewart, Brian Cosby, Roland Barnes, and others.
We can also add the emphasis on music. Dr. Paul Jones of Tenth Presbyterian in Philadelphia will offer several workshops and also teach a combined Sunday School class. Musicians from all over the nation appreciate the leadership by and fellowship with Dr. Jones and other like-minded leaders. Judy Dodd, Music Director at Midway Presbyterian, notes the significance of this portion of the conference, saying, “It is a privilege and honor to spend time with Paul Jones. Not only is he an excellent musician, he can speak with authority on the topics of music as it relates to reformed worship. His scholarship, based on Biblical principles of worship, is always inspiring and encouraging. And his ability to lead congregational singing from the organ bench is truly exemplary”.
Speaking of fellowship, many of the past participants say that the fellowship is one of the best parts of this conference. Matt Bradley, a pastor in Nashville, said of last year’s conference: “This is one of the two conferences I look forward to every year. It is unrivalled in content and fellowship for the minimal cost.”
The conference is also missions-minded. Last year, several missionaries were brought in. Mike Cuneo, missionary in Italy was grateful “for a time of refreshment, fellowship, instruction, and the BOOKS.” [or Bertie Kona]
Church Planter Nick Batzig said, “This conference always is a great encouragement to me.”
And the conference is not only for pastors. This year an entire workshop track is embedded within the program for elders and church members. One Ruling Elder from Georgia liked the conference so much that he is seeking to begin a series of other similar conferences.
Combine this with fellowship around meals, exhibitors, a great bookstore, lasting friendships, and excellent preaching and teaching, and this is one of the country’s premier fall conferences for those who desire to worship God according to Scripture.
The dates are October 18-21. The focus this year is “Means of Grace,” and the speakers are men you will not want to miss! A complete schedule and registration information may be found here.
Perhaps you would help by providing funds for scholarships or encouraging a young person or minister or elder to attend. For a short message from Dr. David Hall regarding this conference go here.
Go here to find a bulletin insert; feel free to make as many copies as you like, and distribute them to your congregation. For a full conference brochure go here.